Vermouth is finally having its moment - at least here in the U.S. While in other parts of the world it has long been cherished for its complexity and versatility, Americans are just beginning to recognize its true potential. Gone are the days of that half-empty bottle languishing in the back of the bar cabinet. As cocktail culture evolves, bar menus (ours included!) and retail shelves (also ours!) are embracing high-quality, small-production, and generations-old vermouths that deserve more than just a supporting role in a cocktail. 

Vermouth: The Misunderstood Essential 

One reason vermouth hasn’t always received the respect it deserves? We’ve been thinking about it all wrong. Unlike distilled spirits, vermouth is a fortified wine, aromatized with herbs and botanicals—often a closely guarded family recipe using locally foraged ingredients. 

And let’s be honest: vermouth’s reputation as an “optional” ingredient in a Martini hasn’t helped its case. But the truth is, a Martini without vermouth is just a glass of gin or vodka. Once you recognize its importance, upgrading your vermouth becomes just as essential as selecting the right spirits. 

As Sidebar Bar Manager, Victoria Herrera, emphasized in her interview on elevating the home bar (read it here), nothing ruins a cocktail faster than bad (read: cheap, too old) vermouth. Her golden rule? Treat vermouth like wine—use a vacuum sealer and always store it in the fridge! 

Upgrade Your Vermouth Game 

If you're ready to take your cocktails to the next level, start by swapping out your basic vermouth for a premium selection. Here are some of our top picks: 

Dry Vermouth 

Beyond the Bar: Creative Ways to Use Vermouth 

Vermouth isn’t just for cocktails! Here are some unexpected ways to incorporate it into your daily routine: 

🍳 In the Kitchen – Swap vermouth for wine in recipes! Dry vermouth pairs beautifully with seafood dishes like clam chowder or seafood stew, while sweet vermouth enhances braised meats like chicken, pork, or Italian beef ragu. 

🍨 Ice Cream Floats – Use sweet red vermouth instead of root beer for a sophisticated, grown-up treat. 

🥂 Highballs & Spritzes – A low-ABV highball with vermouth and soda water is a light, refreshing option for any time of day. 

🍷 Aperitif or Digestif – Start your evening with chilled dry vermouth or end it with a glass of sweet vermouth as a digestif. 

🥖 On Its Own (with Snacks!) – Dry vermouth pairs perfectly with Spanish tapas like tuna, olives, anchovies, clams, or even potato chips (all available at our Cheese Shop!). Sweet vermouth is a dream alongside burger sliders, fried herbed potatoes, and blue cheese. 
 

👉 Dolin Bianco Vermouth – A delicately floral and lightly sweet vermouth with herbal and citrus undertones, perfect for spritzes or sipping over ice. 

👉 Cocchi Extra Dry Vermouth – A crisp, elegant vermouth with bright citrus, white flowers, and alpine herbs, ideal for an aperitif. 

👉 Figueras Forget Me Not Vermouth – A beautifully crafted vermouth with a bold botanical profile, featuring notes of chamomile, citrus, and spices—great for enjoying neat. 

👉 Tempus Fugit Alessio Vermouth Chinato – A richly spiced, bittersweet vermouth with layers of cinchona bark, dark fruit, and warm baking spices—perfect for after-dinner sipping. 

Explore More Vermouth Options

Looking to expand your vermouth collection? Stop by Surdyk’s and explore our curated selection! Whether you're mixing up a Manhattan, cooking up a feast, or simply sipping solo, vermouth is ready to take center stage.